A Kenyan court on Tuesday, October 15, dismissed an appeal by Vice-President Rigathi Gachagua, who sought to block a critical Senate debate and vote on his impeachment later this week.
Gachagua, 59, is facing charges of insubordination and embezzlement, which have placed him at odds with President William Ruto. Last week, the National Assembly overwhelmingly voted in favor of his impeachment, prompting Gachagua to take the matter to court, claiming the proceedings were rushed and unfair.
Gachagua hoped the court would delay the Senate’s debate and vote, set for Wednesday and Thursday, while it considered the merits of his case. However, Nairobi High Court Judge Enock Chacha Mwita rejected his request, stating that the Senate hearing would proceed as planned. The judge emphasized that Gachagua’s case raised “substantial questions of law” and should be fully examined alongside other legal challenges related to the impeachment. Gachagua’s lawyer, who was not present for the ruling, announced plans to appeal the decision immediately.
In a separate hearing on Tuesday, a three-judge panel began consolidating six of the 26 legal appeals filed against the impeachment process. For Gachagua to be removed from office, 45 out of 68 senators must vote in favor of the motion. If the motion passes, Gachagua would become the first Kenyan vice president to be impeached under the 2010 Constitution.
Gachagua, who has been accused of threatening a judge, expressed confidence in the judiciary on Sunday, stating, “I believe in the independence of the courts. I trust they will uphold the Constitution and protect the will of the people.” He made these comments during a religious service in central Kenya.
A former businessman from the Kikuyu ethnic group, Gachagua wields considerable influence, particularly in the Mount Kenya region, and played a key role in securing Ruto’s victory over Raila Odinga in the 2022 presidential election. However, tensions between Gachagua and President Ruto have escalated, especially after anti-government protests rocked the country in June and July, further straining their relationship.